September 19, 2018 06:35 PM
Firefighters responded to an explosion and structure fire at a commercial building in Minneapolis Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Minneapolis Fire Department, the explosion happened at Metal-Matic on at 629 Second Street Northeast.
The fire department reported two employees were transported to the hospital with significant injuries.
Fire officials said the fire was relatively small, and that most of the damage was due to the explosion. The cause of the explosion and fire is still under investigation, but it appears to have started in one of the building's dust collectors.
Explosion/Structure Fire - 600 block of 2nd St SE. Large commercial building. Lines laid. Searches in progress.
— Minneapolis Fire (@MinneapolisFire) September 19, 2018
Bulk of the fire has been knocked down. 2 civilians transported to an area hospital with significant injuries.
— Minneapolis Fire (@MinneapolisFire) September 19, 2018
All other occupants have safely evacuated the building. Crews extinguishing remaining hot spots.
— Minneapolis Fire (@MinneapolisFire) September 19, 2018
The explosion shook the surrounding neighborhood.
"All of a sudden there was a big boom," neighbor Janet Ryan told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS. "About five minutes later, I saw fire trucks and an ambulance go by.
"I hope the workers are all right."
Updated: September 19, 2018 06:35 PM
Created: September 19, 2018 03:14 PM
Copyright 2018 - KSTP-TV, LLC A Hubbard Broadcasting Company
